The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Sourcing SORC

The provision of policy, internal standards and advice on the procurement or commissioning of externally supplied and internally developed products and services. The provision of commercial governance, conformance to legislation and assurance of information security. The implementation of compliant procurement processes, taking full account of the issues and imperatives of both the commissioning and supplier sides. The identification and management of suppliers to ensure successful delivery of products and services required by the business.

Levels

Defined at these levels: 2 3 4 5 6 7

Sourcing: Level 1

This skill is not typically observed when working at this level of responsibility.

Sourcing: Level 2

Assists in preparation of pre-qualification questionnaires and tender invitations in response to business cases. Assembles relevant information for tenders. Produces detailed evaluation criteria for simple tender criteria. Assists in evaluation of tenders. Assists with routine communication between the organisation and suppliers, the collection of supplier performance data and associated reporting.

Sourcing: Level 3

Prepares pre-qualification questionnaires and tender invitations in response to business cases. Recognises the difference between open source and proprietary systems options. Produces detailed evaluation criteria for more complex tenders and assists in evaluation of tenders. Acts as the routine contact point between organisation and supplier. Collects and reports on supplier performance data.

Sourcing: Level 4

Reviews business cases (requirements, potential benefits and options) and determines appropriate procurement routes. e.g., open market or collaborative framework. Using market knowledge to inform specifications, ensures detailed pre-qualification questionnaires and tender invitations are prepared. Collects and collates data to support collaboration and negotiates terms and conditions to reflect the scale of requirements and encourage good performance. Evaluates tenders based on specification and evaluation criteria, prepares acceptance documentation and advises on contracts and service level agreements. Monitors and reports on supplier performance, information security, customer satisfaction, and market intelligence. Investigates, resolves or escalates problems. Implements supplier service improvement actions and programmes.

Sourcing: Level 5

Researches suppliers and markets, and maintains a broad understanding of the commercial environment, to inform and develop commercial strategies and sourcing plans. Advises on the business case for alternative sourcing models, and on policy and procedures covering the selection of suppliers, tendering, and procurement. Leads procurement teams, managing tender, evaluation and acquisition processes. Negotiates with potential partners and suppliers, developing acceptance criteria and procedures. Drafts and places contracts. Carries out benchmarking and ensures that supplier performance is properly monitored and regularly reviewed. Liaises with designated supplier(s), and manages and implements supplier service improvement actions and programmes.

Sourcing: Level 6

Influences policy and procedures covering the selection of suppliers, tendering, procurement and benchmarking. Establishes procurement strategies, standards, methods, processes and good practices that ensure compliance with legislation, regulation and third party information security. Identifies external partners, engaging with professionals in other related disciplines as appropriate. Ensures that terms and conditions are aligned with current legislation and policy. Leads the procurement process, from clarifying requirements through to placing, monitoring and terminating contracts. Measures the perception about how services are delivered, assessing the performance of the supplier, their experience of own organisation’s performance, and effectiveness across the supply chain.

Sourcing: Level 7

Takes overall responsibility for conformance to legislation; supply chain management; commercial governance; policy and procedures for selection of suppliers, tendering and procurement (including "build or buy" criteria, and benchmarking performance). Determines overall strategies for managing supplier relationships, embracing effective operational relationships at all levels. Is responsible for deployment and review of acquisition processes and for negotiating major contracts. Establishes frameworks to monitor services provided and ensure value for money over the lifetime of contracts. Represents the company in any serious disputes involving suppliers.